Prepared to Protect: A Legal Path Forward Starting in Minneapolis

Like so many of you, I was shaken by the recent shooting at Annunciation Church. I stood at vigils with neighbors, grieving together, trying to make sense of the senseless. As a father, a lawyer, and someone who has devoted my life to building solutions, I asked myself not only what I could feel, but what I could do to help.

What I put forward is not a headline or a hashtag. It is a law, fully drafted in clear legal language, modeled on successful precedent, and ready to protect people. It bans assault weapons and large-capacity magazines within Minneapolis. Because state law currently blocks cities from acting, the ordinance would remain dormant until the legislature grants authority. The moment that authority is granted, it would take effect immediately. No delays. No new drafting. No waiting.

This approach follows the Denver model, which the Colorado Supreme Court upheld against legal challenge, and is reinforced by recent federal court rulings like Capen v. Campbell, which confirmed that laws restricting unusually dangerous weapons are constitutional. It is not political theater. It is legal infrastructure that prepares Minneapolis to act swiftly once the state opens the door 

I know the phrase “trigger ordinance” is painful to hear in this context. I considered softening it but chose not to. That sting reflects the reality we face. Our children, our families, and our neighbors live with the pain of gun violence every day. We cannot soften the truth when lives are at stake.

This is my proposal. You can read the full legal memorandum, proposed city ordinance, and proposed statute under the “Read the Legal Argument” tab of this website. If you disagree with a definition or want to change the language, that is fine. What matters is that we act.

This effort cannot stop at City Hall. State legislators must grant Minneapolis, and any city that chooses, the authority to enact local gun safety laws. This is not about imposing one city’s values on another. It is about allowing communities to decide what safety requires within their own borders. Minneapolis can lead the way, but we need you to stand with us. Add your name to the petition below. Call your state senator and representative and urge them to read the proposed plan. Tell them Minneapolis has a law ready to go. All they need to do is say yes.

I am not a pundit. I am a father of three, a lawyer, and a community member who has spent his life fighting for people failed by our systems. I do not just call for change. If I can, I work to build solutions. This is one of those moments where our city can show courage and prepare to protect lives.

The next time someone says “do something,” let us not leave them waiting.

With respect and determination,

Jazz Hampton